'Green Riyadh' Initiative Reviews Development Goals at 'Development Initiatives and Experiences' Forum in Madinah
The 5th Forum of Development Initiatives and Experiences in the Principalities of Regions, held in Madinah, reviewed the success factors of the "Green Riyadh" initiative—one of the Kingdom’s largest and most pioneering development projects—aimed at improving the urban landscape, enhancing the visual identity, and elevating quality of life in Riyadh.
The forum highlighted the "Green Riyadh" program, one of the four major Riyadh projects launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in March 2019. The initiative was introduced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, with the goal of planting 7.5 million trees across the capital.
Among its key targets are increasing green space coverage by 541 square kilometers, raising vegetation coverage to 9% of the city’s area by 2030, and multiplying the per capita share of green space by 16 times.
The forum reviewed several local development goals of the initiative, including increasing the use of treated water—from 90,000 to 1.9 million cubic meters per day, a 19-fold increase; reducing electricity consumption by 650 gigawatt-hours annually, equivalent to 1.1 million barrels of oil; and lowering average city temperatures by 1.5 to 2°C, with shaded areas experiencing reductions of 8 to 15°C.
The initiative also seeks to improve air quality by reducing pollution by up to 6%, expand public green areas and parks, and promote healthier lifestyles by increasing walking activity to an average of 6,000 steps per person per day.
At the forum's accompanying exhibition, the Principality of Riyadh Region showcased the geographical scope of the initiative, including public parks and gardens, main roads, valleys and tributaries, government complexes, nurseries, and treated water irrigation infrastructure. The initiative also emphasizes community participation and coordination among relevant entities to ensure successful implementation.
The forum, organized by the Principality of Madinah Region at the King Salman International Convention Center, is attended by government officials, development specialists, and experts from across the Kingdom. It provides a platform for exchanging knowledge, reviewing leading initiatives, and strengthening cooperation among principalities to achieve sustainable development goals.
